Fun fact: This story began mid August before getting its first chapter typed by early September, and finally published early October.

WARNING: Self harm, suicidal thoughts

Word count: 3,218

Chapter 4

"Points of Authority"

"You have to take the medicine every morning and night," Ree could imagine the eye roll through the tone, "It's supposed to help with my short-term memory loss, but the orange bottle is for 'schizophrenia.' Ever since I began taking it, I haven't been seeing Jazz lately."

The girl glanced around her, odd, Jazz is usually sitting around. Maybe he took some sort of... spirit walk? Ree stood and got dressed and began making her way through the house, is that even a thing?

Spirit walk... She skipped breakfast, simply passing by the kitchen and ignoring Sam's "What's with you?" look. Judy set down a glass of water and two pills, Ree reluctantly took them. Swallowing the salmon colored pill, for her memory. The small white pill was left on her palm, she stared at it before taking a mouthful of water and popping in the round medicine.

A few minutes of getting ready for school passed and Ree felt that same feeling she gets when she takes her pills; emptiness. She felt suddenly alone without Jazz's presence sitting near her. By habit, she continuously glances around for the spirit and mutters to herself, forgetting that he's not there.

What scared her the most was when her eyes would flick towards a sharp object or blade, such as the knife Judy was using to cut her fruit. Ree found herself being drawn to it, an itching on her wrist. It was as though she was yearning for the pain... She could imagine herself taking the blade and drawing it across her wrist, slicing through the flesh and a blissful feeling filling her as the blood came. Better yet, plunging the large knife right into her chest...

The girl snapped back into reality, stumbling backwards in a sudden move. She gasped and caught herself on the wall that was conveniently behind her. Her aunt, uncle and cousin all looked up, Judy frowned, "You okay, sweetie?"

"Um, yeah. Just tripped over myself," Ree stammered out her lie, composing herself and forcefully diverting her eyes from the tantalizing blade. She walked away, continuing on upstairs to retrieve her bag. Stopping just before the stairs, she took an excessive deep breath before trekking up the thirteen slabs of wood, hand on the wooden railing. The stairs creaked with each step before she reached the top and made her way through the hall and into her room.

It was cold and empty, the observation sent a shiver running up her spine, causing her shoulders to scrunch and a frown to settle on her face. The curtains flowed in the room, matching the force of the breeze coming through the open window. No Jazz was sitting at the window, staring outside as usual. She moved over and shut the window, satisfied with the click it gave. Before moving away, the girl looked down through the window, two floors up... wonder if I'd jump...

"No... stop thinkin' like that, Ree," A more logical voice said. It was familiar.

Ree glanced to the bathroom in the hall, guess I don't need to put any more salt there now. She shook her head and grabbed her backpack, ignoring the weight on her shoulders, slipped on her shoes before, once again, walking out of her bedroom.

Sam greeted her as she walked past, his only response was a curt nod. The sixteen-year-old walked out the door, not bothering to hold it for her uncle or cousin, who began to make their way out as well. She hopped into the backseat of the car, not in the mood to argue with Sam. The cousin triumphantly smirked at her, she turned her head away in disinterest and propped her elbow up, settling her cheek on her palm.

Minutes have passed before they arrived at the school, something everyone dreads. Ree patiently, yet impatiently, waited for Sam to get out of the car. She followed after him and split once they were inside.

It was a B day, different classes. Great, she thought, I have to find the classes again. Though it's not that different from other days. Her spirit friend wasn't there to help like yesterday, so this might take twice as long.

The first class was AP science, room 213. That was on the second floor. Ree made her way up the first flight of stairs she saw. Looking at the first classroom number, she continued walking. She was at 256. It was going to be a a long way to her designated class. Her hand swept through her hair, the strands catching onto her fingers and sending tiny stinging pains throughout her scalp, she let out a frustrated sigh.

This might take a while, she puffed her cheeks and let out the breath, glancing down the stairs, maybe I should have grabbed an aid?

She turned and continued, nah, I'll find my way.

...

~ o Castle of Shards o ~

...

Science came and went, quite uneventful, save for the papers Ree was given to make up. It was frustrating, having forgotten the homework and about her agenda. Ree took out her journal and wrote, "Note to self, place reminder of unfinished work in recording." Her pen hovered over the page before lifting away and tucking the Moleskine journal into her bag.

AP science was learning genetics, something Ree already understood. She knew all about the backbones and rungs, what they were made of and that the patterns were all different. It was not a difficult concept, but Ree loved learning about science. To put it all together, she was a nerd.

The previous class was Physical Ed, or PE. Now here she was, back in precalculus, learning math. Slopes and y-intercepts were seventh grade for her, and arithmetic sequences were covered in Algebra, as her past selves have told her in the journals. She knew these things, they were drilled into her head, regardless of her memory. Should have taken calculus. This is all too easy.

Staring out the window with her chin set on her knuckles, Ree pondered. I can actually remember names with faces when I see them, guess the memory pills are working. She frowned, Jazz isn't here, so I guess the other pills are as well? Is it supposed to be working?

"...V- Ree!" The girl, dazed, jumped up and stared at the teacher, "Pay attention," Ms. Mint, the harsh teacher she was, scolded with her German accent. Her hair was dyed a deep brownish red mahogany color with blond roots. Instead of the stereotypical blue German eyes, she has chocolate browns.

"Now, I hope you all caught today's lesson," the teacher sternly stated, sending a pointed glance at Ree, who was trying to stay focused on Ms. Mint. Instead, her gaze was fixed on shadowed figures dancing around the classroom, lurking and watching her with eyes that screamed danger. Ree wanted to get away, but class wasn't ending for another two minutes. The teacher's voice became muffled as she thought, nobody else is seeing this? The girl glanced around, her green eyes bouncing from head to head, some were looking at the teacher with boredom, others were planted in their arms, or are they paying no mind to them? They're getting closer... I want to get out of here.

Only two minutes, you'll survivethe figures stalked closer to her, features appeared in her vision and Ree noticed, like Jazz, she could see the wall behind them. The men, from what their sturdy and lean structure tells her, wore dark and heavy looking clothing.

The first one was wearing a trench coat, cargo pants and army boots, all black or a variation of dark grey. Silver and a darker shade lined his hair, complimenting the light skin he bore. His whole posture said, I'm in command. Don't agree? Well, then you don't have to live.

The other had a grey, almost dark blue, uniform from what looked like the Air Force. Ree loved jets and helicopters, being up in the air was an exciting concept. As he sulked closer, the girl noticed he had black hair, with some greying on the sides that even faded to silver just above his ears. A strong, slightly rounded jaw made up his facial shape, while a sturdy, lean structure, his body. He was an evenly tanned man.

A comparatively smaller fellow stood by, dressed in friendlier colors; silver and light blue. His hair was silver, skin lighter. Though he seemed a little... twitchy.

The fourth and fifth ones, good Lord there are so many, were almost identical in clothing, save for the colors. One was a sandy brown while the other, a dusty forest green. They were intimidating by how their bodies were toned, one was extremely muscular and the other, the green clothed one, seemed to be a straight up human tank.

The most noticeable aspect was their red eyes that pierced into her green ones. Save for the silver and blue lad, he had icy blue eyes that held a friendly, yet a dangerous mischievous, glint.

A few of them were smirking, the rest frowning. They held a stiff, irritated stance, especially the human tank. Ree rolled her eyes, and muttered, "Jeez, what crawled up your ass and died?"

A few giggles ran through the classroom. The teacher turned to the source with scrutinizing eyes, "I'm sorry, what was that, Ree?"

"Hm?" Said girl perked up, eyebrows raised. Oh shit, did I say that out loud? A chuckle from one of the figures filled her head, his shoulders were shaking and head bowed. Ms. Mint narrowed her eyes ever-so-slightly before turning her attention back onto the class. Just as she opened her mouth, the bell rang and the class rushed out.

"Don't forget to read pages one hundred eleven to one hundred sixteen, take notes!" Her reminders seemed to fall on deaf ears. Ree worked quickly to gather her things, trying not to be the last one out after what she had just said. The poor girl hadn't meant to offend the teacher, or anyone for that matter. She was bound to be in trouble. Just as the sixteen-year-old walked out of the room, "Ree, could you come here please?"

Grimacing, she turned and approached Ms. Mint, who smiled. She pointed to the desk in front of her desk, "I just want to talk."

Oh no.

...

~ o Castle of Shards o ~

...

Ree stepped out of the classroom, a frown set upon her usually passive visage. She was let off with a warning after apologizing.

The figures were still following her around, and began whispering things. Ree's eyes flicked over to a student's sharp pencil protruding from their binder. It was perfect, she could swiftly stick it in her throat, and it would all be over soo- ...No the girl shook her head, accidentally bumping into someone as she did so. She mentally screamed at herself, stop thinking like that! Another chuckle flew through her head, and she glanced at the one in the trench coat, a malicious smirk was planted upon his face and mirth held in his eyes. He was finding her troubles... amusing.

"Who are you...?" Ree muttered, ignoring the glance she got from a passing student. The five still had yet to actually speak, and judging from the occasional chuckle or approving/disapproving hum, they could speak. The girl was quite sure they were also spirits. But what happened to Jazz?

"He decided to take a break from guarding you."

What? Ree furrowed her eyebrows, what is that supposed to mean?

One of them let out a soft laugh, "And for a second, I thought you were smarter than the rest."

I'm confused, not stupid, she continued her way down the hallways, ignoring the figures continuing to tail her and who have finally decided to speak. Where is Jazz?

"The pills you take pushes him away and allows us in, how else do you think we're here?"

Hell if I know, Ree snapped back, her expression becoming more angered as she walked on The jittery one raised a fist, and smiled, "O-ohh, we'll h-have a f-f-fun time killing h-her."

"Patience, Frenzy. We will have our opportunity."

Ree tried her best to ignore the continuous conversation between the five, well a few weren't talking still. Their words proved to be difficult to block out of her head, overpowering her thoughts and keeping her focused on them throughout American sign language. Ms. G looked concerned for the girl, whose expression would change every few seconds and mutter incoherent words.

The last period of the day passed and Ree was released by the bell. She quickly made her way out, desperately trying to shake the five figures behind her, but somehow they seemed to never lose her, she couldn't lose them.

"Hey, Ree," her cousin greeted, he watched as she quickly passed by and continued walking, stopping when she realized her uncle's green car wasn't sitting by the curb. Sam scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah... we gotta ride my Camaro with 'Bee, unless you want to walk?"

The Camaro creeps me out, Ree glanced over to it from her peripheral vision. It sent off an odd aura, kind of like the feeling she gets when Jazz is around. She shook her head, and began striding away, curtly muttering over her shoulder, "I'll walk."

So if the medicine pushes Jazz away... That gives these freaks a chance to slip in. Was Jazz guarding me? Ree took long strides, the spirits easily following from behind, he was keeping them out and now he can't. What am I supposed to do now?

Stop taking the pills could be an option, no, no. Uncle Ron and Aunt Judy will notice. Carry salt or something? Where am I going to get all that salt? Maybe make a salt pendant, Judy will question it. I never wear jewelry, she'll become suspicious of me wearing some sort of "bling." Kill yourself? ...I'd much rather not.

Ree passes the center of town, hoping for the quiet place to live up to its name. Tranquility, Nevada wasn't very popular, but it was known for its lack of crime and the scenery that lines the town. It wasn't rural, nor was it urban. It was just an easy concept of a stereotypical town. A few dealerships dotted here and there, one of which seemed unlikely. The girl walked past some cheap and banged up dealership, filled with many classic cars that didn't seem to work. She continued walking and her eyes landed on the Porsche dealership. She always wanted one of the sports cars, the 911 Turbo caught her eye countless times.

The sixteen-year-old later found herself walking into the house of the Witwicky's. A silence greeted her when she walked in, no Mojo barking or Sam arguing with Aunt Judy about his bling, or her cousin and uncle arguing about the grass. Nobody was home, Ree concluded after searching through every room.

The girl dropped off her backpack in her room, momentarily glancing out the window, only to see no cars in the driveway. Good, Ree thought, pushing herself away from the window sill, I can be crazy alone. Her eyes flicked over to the bathroom, where she knew her uncle's razor sat on the sink, he recently sharpened the blade.

Shaking her head, Ree moved on and grabbed her headphones along with her old-as-fuck mp3 player. It was her beloved Creative Zen Vision: M, past selves tell her it was a gift from her father. The girl plugged in the headphone jack and flung herself onto the bed. She slipped on the headphones and scrolled down to a familiar album, loving the clicking the scroller made as she ran her finger over the touchpad. Her thumb tapped on it, entering the album labeled Hybrid Theory and she began playing the music.

Songs passed, she was on the fourth song before getting an odd feeling on her left wrist. It was itchy and wouldn't go away. Mosquito bite? Looking at her irritated arm, she found no small lumps or red marks. It looked like a regular arm, but she could feel something. It was familiar... Ree unlocked her mp3 player and paused the music. She made the connection to this morning, where she had the same feeling at the sight of Judy's knife. Was it Uncle Ron's razor that triggered this?

She slid the headphones off and slipped off her bed, trudging to the bathroom and pushing open the door. Ree's eyes immediately set on the razor and her right hand found purchase on its handle. Subconsciously, she repositioned the blade in her hand and held it above her left wrist. She hovered the razor there for a minute before lowering it and letting it sink into the flesh on her arm. A blissful feeling filled her, the figures that lurked behind her seemed to vanish for as long as she dragged the blade there.

Lifting the blade, Ree inspected the deep cut she made, happiness left her as the blood covered razor removed itself from her arm. That was... amazing... Fascinated by the feeling and how it made the five spirits disappear, Ree lowered the blade again and pierced through her light skin, watching as the sharp razor easily slipped through and drew a red line on her arm.

Minutes passed of Ree inspecting the gash she'd made, her making another and watching that one bleed. It was a blissful cycle she took pleasure in. This was one way to rid herself of the spirits and any other troubles. It was temporary, though.

Ree hummed and used her right hand to turn on the sink, she dunked her left forearm in the cold water along with the razor. The girl watched with grim satisfaction as the blood washed away, leaving red tainted water behind, only to swirl down the drain. She waited until her arm was nothing but the eleven lines she made and until the water was crystal clear.

Bringing her sleeve down, she turned and walked out of the bathroom, head feeling... lighter. The figures had yet to return. That was a good thing...

Ree glanced out her window and saw the yellow Camaro in the driveway. Guess Sam is finally home? When did he get here?

"Hey, Ree," Sam popped in, scaring the poor girl right out of her skin. He laughed, "Sorry, sorry. Just wanted to see if you got home safe."

She nodded, rubbing her left arm, which had just begun to sting from the fabric covering the open cuts. Her cousin jerked his thumb over his shoulder, "Bee's downstairs, we were thinking of playing Lost Planet, wanna join?"

"Nah," she rejected, picking up her headphones and continued playing Linkin Park.

"...While taking pleasure in the awful things you put me through..."